MID-PREGNANCY complications led to a Leominster mum being taken to hospital at Newport, Gwent, to give birth to her baby 13 weeks early.

Bonny toddler Juliette Watkins, born by caesarian section at the Royal Gwent - weighing less than two pounds - is now 17 months old and is doing just great says her mum.

Sarah Watkins and her husband Philip of Godiva Road, Leominster, contacted The Hereford Times to comment on an item referring to special care baby units in the region. They recalled their experiences.

They were impressed by the Royal Gwent Hospital's special unit which was "large and marvellous."

Sarah said: "Hereford County Hospital transferred us to the Royal Gwent to have Juliette as they said they didn't have the facilities for such a premature birth.

"Juliette stayed in the unit for two weeks and then transferred back to Hereford where she stayed for nine weeks."

The youngster is now "doing really well," says Sarah. She is 17 pounds and growing and only needs periodic weight checks at hospital.